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Discover the rich flavors of Bursa cuisine! This historic Ottoman capital offers a culinary journey through centuries of tradition and multicultural influences. Bursa’s cuisine is a highlight of Turkish gastronomy, with dishes and desserts that will delight your taste buds.
Don’t miss these famous Bursa specialties: İskender kebab, the king of kebabs with savory meat layered on pita bread with tomato sauce and yogurt; İnegöl köfte, flavorful meatballs with a unique regional recipe; kestane şekeri, the classic sweet of candied chestnuts; Kemalpaşa tatlısı, a syrupy soft cheese dessert; and tahinli pide, a satisfying snack of pita bread with tahini (sesame paste). Let Bursa take you on a delicious adventure!
About Bursa Cuisine
Those who go to Bursa do not return empty-handed! There’s a world of flavors to discover in this culinary gem. Beyond the delicious meals, Bursa offers a tempting array of treats and delicacies to bring home.
Indulge in classic souvenirs like the famous kestane şekeri (candied chestnuts), anjelic jam (a sweet preserve), local olives, unique jam varieties, and flavorful pulses. You’ll find these treasures and more at local shops within the bustling city center.
Bursa also delights with heavenly desserts to complement its savory cuisine. Don’t leave without sampling (and taking home!) these sweet Bursa specialties:
- Süt helvası (milk halva)
- Pudingli Kemalpaşa tatlısı (Kemalpaşa dessert with pudding)
- Peynir tatlısı (cheese dessert)
- Cennet çamuru (a rich cake)
- Hurma tatlısı (date dessert)
- Dilberdudağı (a type of pastry)
- Kestane şekeri (candied chestnuts)
- Bursa helvası (Bursa halva)
Best Restaurants in Bursa
1. Kebapçı İskender (Mavi Dükkân)
Discover the iconic Mavi Dükkan (Blue Shop), a Bursa institution! Kebapçı İskender, also known as the ‘Blue Shop,’ is located in the heart of Bursa, next to the Tayyare Cultural Center. Founded in the 1930s by Cevatoğlu İskender Bey, Mavi Dükkan continues to serve the same legendary flavor to this day. Known by endearing nicknames like Gemi Dibbi (Ship Bottom), Bizim Masa (Our Table), and Pervane Altı (Under the Fan), the Blue Shop is famous for its nostalgic atmosphere and colorful flowers outside its door.
A truly special feature: Mavi Dükkan was founded by the grandchildren of İskender Efendi, the very inventor of İskender kebab! The shop seats about 40 people and has remained intentionally unchanged since 1930, preserving its authentic charm.
Mavi Dükkan is synonymous with İskender kebab in Bursa, and its status as the first-ever İskender restaurant gives it a unique distinction. Be prepared to wait, as there are often long lines for their İskender – made with a special sauce and sizzling butter. The butter is melted in copper pans and poured tableside, creating a delicious spectacle for diners. The İskender kebab meat is prepared fresh daily and cooked over oak charcoal, infusing it with an irresistible flavor. Mavi Dükkan now has three additional branches – two in Bursa, and one in Istanbul – and holds a perfect 5/5 rating from renowned gourmet Vedat Milor.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves all days of the week between 11:30 and 19:30.
Address: Next to Tayyare Cultural Center, Atatürk Cad., No: 60, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 221 10 76
More Information: https://instagram.com/iskendercomtr
2. Demir Amca
Nestled on Bursa’s Nilüfer district’s Fatih Sultan Mehmet Boulevard, Demir Amca offers a taste of history. This beloved establishment traces its roots to 1954 when Demir Amca, hailing from Rumeli, found his culinary calling in the iconic İskender kebab. To this day, Demir Amca himself crafts his renowned döner kebabs, attributing his success to “cleanliness, simplicity, and mastery.” Demir Amca’s legacy extends beyond its namesake dish, proving Bursa’s love for quality döner in all its forms. Locals can’t get enough of Demir Amca’s tavuk döner (chicken döner), a testament to the city’s appreciation for deliciousness.
Demir Amca’s commitment to quality shines through in their menu of et döner (meat döner), tavuk döner (chicken döner), and diverse döner offerings. Patrons enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal of döner, potatoes, and a beverage. Don’t miss out on their delectable desserts – the fırın sütlaç (baked rice pudding) and trileçe (a type of milk cake) are must-tries!
Naturally, such a beloved spot has expanded throughout Bursa. Seek out Demir Amca branches in Altınparmak, Özlüce, and Görükle – each location promises the same delightful experience. Demir Amca’s delicious and affordable döner kebabs are fast becoming a Bursa tradition.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves all days of the week between 10:00 and 22:00.
Address: Hoca Hasan Mah., Bursalı Tahir Cad., No: 30/F, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 220 99 50 – 72 20
More Information: https://www.instagram.com/demiramca/
3. Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta
Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta, located on Alacamescit Tuz Pazar Street in Osmangazi, is one of Bursa’s oldest kebab shops. Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta has become an icon with his blue shirt and smiling face. Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta is a kebab restaurant that is popular among Bursa residents. Although famous kebab joints such as the Blue Shop come to mind when one thinks of kebab, those who have tried Kebapçı Hüseyin know better. Kebapç Hüseyin, whose skender is very tasty and of high quality, is one of the best places to go for kebab.
Hüseyin Usta, which provides Bursa kebabs to customers at reasonable prices, has been in business for 35 years without sacrificing quality. Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta, with its modest interior decoration reminiscent of old restaurants, stands out with its abundance of treats other than Bursa kebab. The doner portion is substantial, and the price is reasonable. Another plus that makes this place warm is the continuous yoghurt service and sweet treats.
The meat in Kebapçı Hüseyin is delicious and fresh, which is why it is so popular. When serving doner kebabs, Hüseyin Usta, who marinates and prepares the doner, leaves the doner head and pours the butter on the kebabs himself. This movement stems from his sincerity and contributes to the strengthening of his relationship with his customers.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves all days of the week between 11:30 and 21:00.
Address: Alacamescit, Tuz Pazarı Cad., No: 16/B, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 220 12 29
More Information: https://www.instagram.com/kebapcihuseyinusta/
Also read: Best 10 Breakfast in Bursa
4. Ömür Köftecisi 1965
Ömür Köftecisi, founded in 1965 by Enver Yavaş Bey, who was born in Komotini, Greece, is located opposite the Great Mosque’s west gate. The sons of Enver Yavaş run the historic restaurant, which is famous for its meatballs. The meatball maker, which has been associated with the Ulu Mosque for many years, has survived to the present day without compromising its taste. Ömür Köftecisi, which relocated over time, began serving on Nilüfer Odunluk Akademi Street.
One of the first places that comes to mind when it comes to where to eat negöl meatballs in Bursa is Ömür Köftecisi, which offers customers the best version of meatballs with its timeless taste. Ömür Köftecisi, Bursa’s best meatball restaurant, serves a variety of dishes other than meatballs. The meat consumed here is sourced from their own farm animals.
The flavor of the meatballs can be felt in every sense because there are no additives in the meat. This restaurant’s signature dishes include Iskender kebab, piyaz, and milky kadayif. Ömür Köftecisi, which is famous for its negöl meatballs, is also known as İnegöl Köftecisi. Don’t forget to ask for piyaz next to the meatballs in the meatball shop, which has the perfect consistency and flavor.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves between 11:00 – 19:00 on Monday – Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.
Address: Şehreküstü, Ulucami Cad., No: 9, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 221 45 24
More Information: https://www.instagram.com/omurkoftecisi1965/
5. Kardelen
Kardelen, which is famous for its candied chestnuts and is one of the best candied chestnut producers in Bursa, has many sales branches in Bursa. Kardelen, which began producing chestnut candy in 1991, has now become institutionalized. In addition to the branches, candied chestnuts sold through internet branches are shipped throughout Turkey.
When it comes to candied chestnuts, Bursa is the first place that comes to mind. Kardelen, a Bursa-based company that manufactures chestnut candy, has institutionalized the industry and given chestnut candy a whole new dimension. Kardelen has established this business by manufacturing candied chestnuts in Bursa. You may prefer Kardelen Chestnut candies, which are made using cutting-edge technology. You do not have to live in Bursa to purchase snowdrop chestnut candies. Candied chestnuts are now available throughout Turkey thanks to internet sales.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves between 09:00 – 17:00 on weekdays. It is closed on weekends.
Address: Yaylacık Mah., 40. Sk., No: 5, Nilüfer
Phone: 0224 482 40 16
More Information: https://www.instagram.com/kardelenkestanesekeri
6. Kardeşler Pide Salonu
Kardesler Pide Saloon, located in the Bursa Salt Bazaar passage, has been serving customers since 1975. Gökhan Korucuolu, the shop’s second generation owner, has been running it for 45 years with dedication and hard work. Kardesler Pide Salonu saw the need for a second location and opened one in Beşevler Konak. With the opening of the branch in Beşevler, it has been transformed into a place where families can dine comfortably by implementing a family-friendly concept. With a total capacity of 140 people, the Beşevler branch welcomes customers with a spacious and spacious atmosphere.
The restaurant is well-known for its cantik and pita varieties, but it also serves kebabs, soups, and desserts. Warm cantiks with soft and crispy dough await you in this candy-loving establishment. Cantk is a flavor unique to Bursa, and the best Bursa cantiks can be found here. Kardesler Pide Salonu emphasizes that quality materials and customer satisfaction are the keys to its sectoral success.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves all day of the week between 10:00 – 18:00.
Address: Tuzpazarı Mah., Saner Business Center, No: 53, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 222 95 70
More Information: https://www.instagram.com/kardeslerpidebursa/
7. Tarihi İnanç Fırını
Tarihi İnanç Fırını, a 65-year-old business that was founded in 1956, is located in Bursa’s Osmangazi district. Murat Street is served by it. The products are cooked in a stone oven over a wood fire and served hot. The nanç oven is appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use. The Tarihi İnanç Fırını is also a bakery cafe. You can come here, sit at the tables, and order whatever you want. It is available next to hot and fragrant products in the oven, as well as drinks.
You should definitely try the walnut delight here, which is a Bursa specialty. Among the must-try flavors of this place are the pita with tahini (tahini) pita, Bosnian and Albanian pastries, Yalova milk, and sourdough breads. You’ll have to risk standing in a long line for this pita at Tarihi İnanç Fırını, which is well-known for its Tahanl pita.
It’s worth standing in line for this pita at Tarihi İnanç Fırını, which also has a very good pita with Tahan. In addition to the pita with Tahan, the oven walnut delight has a special place. You can start your day with a small breakfast of cheese and olives with walnut delight, which is prepared with the unique harmony of walnuts and dough. The bakery’s lemonade, which is as good as its food, must be tried.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves all day of the week between 06:00 and 20:00.
Address: Muradiye, 2. Murat Cad., No: 4, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 221 29 49
More Info: https://www.instagram.com/inanc.firin/
8. Tarihi Abdal Simit Fırını
Tarihi Abdal Simit Fırını created the first simit in 1969 at the historic Abdal Simit Bakery by cooking it over a wood fire. According to some researchers, the oven that continues to cook bagels on wood fire dates back centuries. Some attribute it to Abdal Mehmet, who came to aid Orhan Gazi prior to the conquest of Bursa. Abdal Simit Bakery is located in Tuzpazar Neighborhood, directly across from Abdal Mehmet’s tomb.
Its first production began in 1969 under the same name. The furnace, which operated continuously from 1969 to 2007, was demolished as part of the square’s redesign by Osmangazi Municipality. The agreement lasted four years, and the furnace reopened in 2011.
According to the historical Tarihi Abdal Simit Fırını, real bagels are made of flour, salt, and yeast, and they do not use any other additives in their bagels. Bagels cooked over a wood fire have survived without losing their flavor since the day they were first made. Of course, simit isn’t the only thing that gets baked in the oven. Bursa’s famous pita with tahini is also cooked in this oven, and the pita tastes delicious. Abdal Simit Bakery’s unchanging flavors include Turkish delight with walnuts, Turkish bagels, and warm historical bagels.
Opening-Closing Hours: No information could be found.
Address: Tuzpazarı Mah., Abdal Cad., 12. Fırın Sk., No: 2, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 220 62 86
More Information: https://www.instagram.com/abdal_simit_firini/
9. Tarihi Çınar Ağacı Çay Bahçesi
The historical plane tree inspired the name of the Tarihi Çınar Ağacı Çay Bahçesi. The Tarihi Çınar Ağacı Çay Bahçesi is located in the nkaya Neighborhood, which is part of the Osmangazi district. The plane tree Inkaya was named after the village of nkaya, which was one of the Ottoman Empire’s first settlements.
The 610-year-old historical plane tree stands 35 meters tall and 3 meters in diameter, with a circumference of 920 meters. The Inkaya Sycamore tree, one of Turkey’s oldest, is also well-known around the world. The tea garden built around the Sycamore Tree has become a city symbol. So much so that many domestic and international tourists visiting Bursa can stop by this tea garden to relax and enjoy the unique view.
The Tarihi Çınar Ağacı Çay Bahçesi is the ideal spot for breakfast and a drink. Furthermore, one of the important features that make the tea garden valuable is the historical texture of the location. Pancakes, breakfast, and tea are essential tastes at this establishment. One of the most popular activities here is having breakfast with a spectacular view. Here you can take photos, eat, and have fun. On weekends, the tea garden, which is mostly visited by tourists, is extremely crowded. If you want to find peace and quiet, come here during the week.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves all day of the week between 08:00 – 23:30.
Address: İnkaya, Uludağ Cad., No: 163, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 239 59 69
10. Ulus Patisserie
It was founded in 1928 by Hac Rasim ztat in the ekerciler arşs at the upper entrance of the Bursa Grand Bazaar. The original shop was destroyed by fire in 1958, and it was relocated to its current location. Ulus Patisserie is now open on Atatürk Street. The patisserie’s backstory is fascinating.
Rasim Bey’s father was killed in Yemen, and he moved to Bursa with his mother. Here, he made tulumba dessert at home with his mother and sold it by carrying it on his head. Rasim Bey was unable to sell his sweets during the Greek occupation of Bursa because the Greeks confiscated them. As a result, his mother placed her son as an apprentice in a pastry shop so that he could learn his father’s trade.
Ulus Patisserie is historically significant because it was the first place to sell candied chestnuts. Rasim Efendi was drawn to the large and beautiful nature of Bursa chestnuts, so he boiled them and made chestnut candy, which is how the first candy canes were sold. By making the chestnut candy famous in Bursa, he was able to distance himself from the city. Another reason this patisserie is significant is that the candied chestnuts were transported to Ankara and served to Atatürk.
Marshal cake and chestnut candy are two of the patisserie’s most popular items. Rasim ztat’s grandchildren now run Ulus Patisserie. This patisserie has also won an international award.
Opening-Closing Hours: It serves all days of the week between 06:00 and 23:00.
Address: Şehreküstü Mah., Atatürk Cad., Öztat Apt., No: 92, Osmangazi
Phone: 0224 221 14 37
More Information: https://www.instagram.com/uluspastaevi/
